Medical Assistant Schools & Programs in California

There are any medical assistant schools in California and they offer medical assisting certificates, diplomas and associate and bachelor degree programs that help prepare graduates to pursue careers in physicians’ offices, clinics and nursing homes.

California ranks number one in states nationwide with the highest employment levels for the occupation of medical assistant.[i] Before we get into information about medical assistant schools in California, we thought you’d be interested to learn some general education information about the state...

California General Education Information and Data

There are 249 four year institutions in California, compared to the national average of 56 [vii]

There are 205 two year institutions compared to the national average of 33[vii]

The national average for total male fall enrollment is 171,951, while California has 1,231,192![vii]

Similarly, total female fall enrollment in California is 1,504,387, which is also way over the national average of 228,592[vii]

F.A.Q.'s for

Medical Assistant Schools in California

What are the medical assisting job and earning statistics from California?

There are currently 82,450 medical assistants employed in California.[i]

There are 100,500 projected jobs by 2022, which is a 23% increase and approximately 3,450 annual job openings.[ii]

Where do medical assistants work?

Medical assistants usually work in physician's offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They perform administrative and clinical tasks that involve working with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Did you know California boasts several hospitals ranked by U.S. News and World Report? The Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital is even nationally ranked for 13 specialties, including #9 and #10 for ear, nose & throat and cancer, respectively.

Top 5 Regionally Ranked Hospitals in California:

Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

UCSF Medical Center

UCLA Medical Center

UC San Diego Medical Center

What salary information is available for specific metro areas of California?

The highest (90th%) and lowest (10th%) annual mean salary for medical assistants in each of these metro areas is as follows:[i]

Metro Area

Lowest 10th% Salary

Highest 90th% Salary

Bakersfield, CA - Delano, CA

$19,640

$33,210

Los Angeles, CA - Long Beach, CA -Glendale, CA

$20,870

$45,230

Modesto, CA

$20,380

$45,710

Oakland, CA - Fremont, CA - Hayward, CA

$27,820

$56,380

Oxnard, CA - Thousand Oaks, CA -Ventura, CA

$22,520

$40,440

Redding, CA

$22,060

$37,580

Sacramento, CA - Arden, CA - Arcade, CA - Roseville, CA

$24,180

$56,730

San Diego, CA - Carlsbad, CA - San Marcos, CA

$24,360

$47,200

San Francisco, CA - San Mateo, CA - Redwood City, CA

$31,580

$57,880

San Jose, CA - Sunnyvale, CA - Santa Clara, CA

$25,760

$53,710

Santa Barbara, CA - Santa Maria, CA - Goleta, CA

$25,860

$45,770

What is the annual mean 10th percentile wage for other health related fields in California?

Medical Billing & Coding: $24,780[iii]

EMT: $19,720 [iv]

Pharmacy Technician: $26,500 [v]

CNA (certified nursing assistant): $20,750 [vi]

How do I earn a medical assistant certification in California?

The State of California does not require medical assistants to be licensed, certified or registered by a state agency. However, many healthcare employers in California may require that you gain certification from a national or private association. [viii] The National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits five certifications for medical assistants. However, these related fields do require state licensure:

CNA- requires certification via the California Department of Public Health. You must take an initial exam and then renew your certification every two years. Experience requirements for the initial certification also include 100 hours of supervised clinical training and 50 hours of classroom training. [ix]

Medical Laboratory Technician- requires certification via the California Department of Public Health. Requirements for initial certification include an official transcript with Associate Degree in Science at least 60 semester units course work shall include 6 semester units of chemistry and 6 semester units in biology. 26 weeks of Clinical training in an approved MLT training program or NACCLS program. 3 years on the job practical experience within the previous 5 years in a clinical lab outside California, California Physician office laboratory and laboratory owned and operated by the United States of America as MLT. [x]

Registered Dental Assistant- requires certification via the Department of Consumer Affairs of the Dental Board of California. Experience requirements include graduation from a Board-approved dental assistant program or 15 months on-the-job training as a dental assistant for a licensed dentist. Completion of approved courses in Radiation Safety, Coronal Polishing, 8-hour Infection Control course, 2-hour Dental Practice Act course, Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support course. [xi]

If you have made the decision to move forward with an education to help you achieve the pursuit of your goals, below is a list of medical assistant schools in california that we work with offering degree programs in the medical assisting profession. And remember, while a degree or certification may not be required, employers may prefer to hire medical assistants who have completed a medical assisting program! [xii]

Sponsored Medical Assisting Schools in California

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